When friends told Erie hip-hop artist C. Brown they booked a CD release party for him at Crooked I in December, he was all for it.

Then he was all but nuts.

"I didn't know the release party was official," said Brown, 24. "I didn't know it was real. (Then) people were talking about it and throwing it for me. When I actually saw the flyer, I was like, 'OK. Now I got to get into the studio and actually do something.'"

Working mostly with producer P.A. Dre, Brown pumped out "Delirium," his third release, in several whirlwind days at Hot Mess Studios earlier this month. So, true to his word, he has a CD in his pocket for tonight's Drips & Beats showcase at the Crooked I, which also features Pittsburgh's the 58s and Timecapsoul, plus several Erie artists.

Brown hit upon a concept that helped open the song floodgates.

"The theme is basically everything that happened to me this year," he said. "It's basically trying to get people to catch up and update them on what's going on with me. Usually, I draw from past experiences, but this one is more up to date. 'Guys, you haven't heard from me in awhile. So, here's what's going on in my life.'"

It was, he said, a tumultuous year.

"I have to say it was probably my worst year but my happiest at the same time," Brown said. "Being through so many ups and downs, that's a little overwhelming about this year. One minute I'm happy in life, then the next I'm so depressed and emotionally disturbed about where life is going. At the same time, I'm grateful for a lot of help from all the people who came out to help with the project."

"What Is This" reflects confusion and paranoia with its cry, "Delirium is overtaking my mind." "My True Reply" is his response to rappers who "were starting to talk down on me behind my back" after Brown lost at the 2012 RockErie Music Awards. "That Night" recounts a painful memory.

"It's about a fight I got into," Brown said. "A lot of people don't know about that and still don't and won't know until they hear the song. I lost a couple of friends and I felt like talking about it on this project."

But "Delirium" has some optimistic moments, such as "Live For You," featuring T. Star, which blends old-school flow with ethereal keys. A fierce, yet contemplative CD that lays it on the line closes with a surprise: "Mad World," which incorporates the Tears for Classic with C. Brown coming to terms with doubt and haters and declaring he's OK. It's a stunner that sees harsh truths and a higher power called hope.

"After I recorded everything, I think, my mind is on a whole 'nother plateau," Brown said. "I'm definitely happier about things and have a whole new outlook -- not just on my music career but my life as well."